Protest Against Supreme Court Order to Enlist in Israeli Military Sparks Violence in Jerusalem

Thousands of Jewish ultra-Orthodox men clashed with Israeli police in central Jerusalem on Sunday during a protest against a recent Supreme Court order mandating their enlistment in the military. The landmark decision threatens to destabilize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza.

The protest began with tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox men rallying in their neighborhoods, but tensions escalated after nightfall as the crowd moved towards central Jerusalem. Clashes erupted, with protesters throwing rocks and attacking the car of an ultra-Orthodox Cabinet minister. Israeli police responded with water cannons filled with skunk-scented water and mounted officers, but struggled to regain control of the situation.

Military service is mandatory for most Jewish men and women in Israel. However, politically influential ultra-Orthodox parties have historically secured exemptions for their followers, allowing them to study in religious seminaries instead of serving in the military. This arrangement has long been a source of public resentment, which has intensified during the ongoing war against Hamas. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 600 soldiers and mobilized tens of thousands of reservists, disrupting lives and livelihoods.

Why this matters: The Supreme Court’s decision to draft ultra-Orthodox men into the military represents a significant shift in Israeli society. For decades, ultra-Orthodox Jews have enjoyed exemptions from military service, a privilege that has caused friction with the broader Israeli public. The current conflict with Hamas has brought these tensions to the fore, as the sacrifices made by regular and reserve soldiers starkly contrast with the exemptions granted to the ultra-Orthodox community.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes ultra-Orthodox parties, faces potential collapse over this issue. The ultra-Orthodox parties have been instrumental in maintaining Netanyahu’s grip on power, but the new draft order places their alliance in jeopardy. If the ultra-Orthodox parties withdraw from the coalition in protest, it could trigger new elections at a time when Netanyahu’s popularity is waning due to the ongoing conflict and its associated challenges.

The ultra-Orthodox community argues that mandatory military service would disrupt their traditional way of life, which is centered around religious study and community values. This concern highlights the broader struggle between maintaining cultural and religious identity and integrating into the national framework. The ultra-Orthodox fear that military service could erode their religious practices and community cohesion, posing a threat to their generational traditions.

The broader Israeli public’s growing frustration with the exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men has been exacerbated by the ongoing war. Many Israelis feel that the burden of military service and national defense should be shared equally. The sight of ultra-Orthodox men exempt from service while other families endure loss and disruption has intensified calls for a more equitable distribution of national duties.

The Supreme Court’s decision reflects a legal and ethical stance that all citizens should contribute to national defense. However, implementing this decision involves navigating complex political, cultural, and religious landscapes. Balancing the rule of law with respect for religious traditions is a delicate task that requires careful consideration and negotiation.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court's order to draft ultra-Orthodox men into the military challenges long-standing exemptions and highlights national unity issues.
• Prime Minister Netanyahu's governing coalition is at risk of collapse if ultra-Orthodox parties withdraw in protest.
• The ultra-Orthodox community fears that mandatory military service will disrupt their traditional way of life.
• Growing frustration among the broader public about exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
• Implementing the Supreme Court’s decision requires navigating political, cultural, and religious complexities.